Chapter 76
"Cassie mustered her resolve and returned to oversee the renovations at David's villa. She briefed the crew and made sure they were ready to begin.
She was present at the site throughout the first day, keeping a close eye on the progress.
In the late afternoon, David stopped by, distributing bonuses to the workers. He handed Cassie a substantial envelope, which took her by surprise. ""Mr. Foster, this is too generous.""
""It's fine,"" David assured her, concern creasing his brow. ""You look even more run-down than yesterday. Are you feeling okay?""
""Just a bit under the weather,"" Cassie said, downplaying her sniffles.
David's voice softened. ""Go home and get some rest. The site's running smoothly. I'm not one to overwork my team.""
Cassie nodded, touched by his kindness—a stark contrast to Joseph's indifference. Despite their close quarters, Joseph had not once inquired about her well-being.
It was clear to her now: no woman could find happiness with a man who was oblivious to her needs.
""Thank you, Mr. Foster. I'll head out,"" Cassie said, gathering her things.
But as she started to leave, a sudden dizziness overcame her. David was quick to catch her before she fell.
It was only upon touching her that he realized the heat radiating from her palm. ""You're burning up. I'm taking you to the hospital.""
""No, that won't be necessary,"" Cassie protested weakly.
""Don't be stubborn. You're on my clock now. If something happens to you, it's on me."" David was insistent, ushering her into his SUV with care.
Once in the car, Cassie's strength waned, and the relentless headache pushed her into a deep slumber.
In a hazy state, she felt the prick of a needle, the gentle press of a cup to her lips, and the cool sensation of water.
When she came to, she was in a hospital bed, an IV drip attached to her arm.
David was there, peeling an apple. ""You spiked a fever. I thought I'd be filing a workers' comp claim.""
""I'm sorry for the inconvenience,"" Cassie said, sitting up quickly. ""My cold isn't work-related. I just didn't dress warmly enough. I thought the medicine I took would help, but it only got worse.""
""Then I should've postponed the work start date."" David's tone remained kind, free of any irritation.
""It's my fault for taking up your time.""
David chuckled at her repeated apologies. ""Don't worry about it. Everyone gets sick now and then.""
He had a youthful, refined look about him, his eyes warm and understanding.
For a fleeting second, Cassie wished Joseph could have been more like David. Maybe then things wouldn't have turned out so badly between them.
""Mr. Foster, I really appreciate everything. You can go now. I'll call a friend to come by,"" she said, her voice tinged with hesitation.
""If you think of me as a friend, you're not bothering me."" David offered her a slice of apple.
""Mr. Foster, you must be joking. Given my current situation..."" Cassie faltered under his gaze.
Once, her social standing might have put her on equal footing with someone like David, but now, as just a designer, could he possibly see her as more?
After being so diminished by Arthur and Joseph, her self-esteem had taken a hit.
""In this day and age, we're all equals. I'm just a guy who could use a friend,"" David said, his heart going out to her. The Roberts had been far too harsh.
Cassie didn't protest further. She was too ill to engage in such debates, and frankly, she lacked the energy to ponder the implications.
Emerald Bay
Joseph sat on his sofa, a picture of restlessness, aimlessly flipping through channels. He cycled through more than twenty stations, but nothing held his attention.
Tossing the remote aside, he caught sight of the clock. It was past ten.
He had been waiting. No, he corrected himself, he hadn't been waiting at all."
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